Multi-tier wireless home mesh network with a secure network discovery protocol

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for a multi-tier wireless home mesh network is described. The method may include formation of an infrastructure-less wireless home mesh networking environment comprising a collection of nodes that operate as a decentralized, ad hoc wireless network with multiple sub-networks or tiers that are responsible for different functions within the network. Each node of the multi-tier network is configured to forward data to other nodes and is assigned to a particular tier based on the node&#39;s performance capabilities. A further embodiment includes identification of a wireless home mesh network. Once identified, one or more proprietary messages may be exchanged in a secure manner to establish connections with a home electronics device as either a mobile node or a stationary node of the home network. A home electronics device may wirelessly communicate to route data within one or more nodes of the wireless home mesh network. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/360,821, filed Jan. 27, 2009 and incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to the field of wireless deviceconnectivity. More particularly, one or more of the embodiments of theinvention relate to a method and apparatus for a multi-tier wirelesshome mesh network using a secure network discovery protocol.

BACKGROUND

A wireless network can provide a flexible data communication system thatcan either replace or extend a wired network. Using radio frequency (RF)technology, wireless networks transmit and receive data over the airthrough walls, ceilings and even cement structures without wiredcabling. For example, a wireless local area network (WLAN) provides allthe features and benefits of traditional LAN technology, such asEthernet and Token Ring, but without the limitations of being tetheredtogether by a cable. This provides greater freedom and increasedflexibility.

Currently, a wireless network operating in accordance with the Instituteof Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 Standard (e.g.,IEEE Std. 802.11a/b/g/n) may be configured in one of two operatingmodes: infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode. As of today, most installedwireless networks are configured and operate in infrastructure modewhere one or more access points (APs) are configured as interfaces for awired distribution network (e.g., Ethernet). In infrastructure mode,mobile devices with wireless connectivity (e.g., laptop computer with aradio network interface card “NIC”) are able to establish communicationsand associate with the AP, and thus, the users of these devices are ableto access content within servers connected to the wired network.

As an optional feature, however, the IEEE 802.11 Standard specifies adhoc mode, which allows the radio NIC within each wireless device tooperate in an independent basic service set (IBSS) networkconfiguration. Hence, the wireless devices perform peer-to-peercommunications with each other instead of utilizing the AP forsupporting such wireless communications. The ad hoc mode also allowsusers to spontaneously form a wireless LAN. For example, a group ofemployees with laptops implemented with IEEE 802.11 wireless chipsetsmay gather at a coffee house and form a small WLAN by switching theirNICs to ad hoc mode. As a result, the employees could share presentationcharts and spreadsheets without the need for cabling or an AP.

One type of ad hoc network is referred to as a mesh network, whichallows for continuous connections and reconfiguration around broken orblocked paths by “hopping” from device to another device until thedestination is reached. Mesh networks differ from other networks in thatthe devices can all connect to each other via multiple hops without aninfrastructure (e.g., an AP), and these devices generally can be mobileor stationary. Related to mesh networks, mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs)are self-configuring networks of mobile routers, where the routers arefree to relocate.

One of the primary advantages of mesh networks (and MANETs) is theirability to extend the range of the wireless network. For example, a useron one side of the building can send a packet destined to another useron the far side of the facility, well beyond the point-to-point range ofIEEE 802.11-compliant AP, by having the radio signal hop from one mobiledevice to mobile device until the radio signal gets to its targeteddestination. This can extend the range of the WLAN from hundreds of feetto miles, depending on the concentration of wireless users. A meshnetwork can also balance the network traffic load into different routesusing orthogonal wireless channels (frequencies) without interferingwith each other. In traditional networks connecting to APs, all trafficis routed through the access point, which can be easily saturated. Inaddition, all wireless links have to use the same frequency as the APs,which causes severe interference and results in low efficiency.

With recent technology advances in integrated circuits, andbreakthroughs in multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) systems,wireless digital communications have entered a new era that allowsfaster speed for wireless networking applications. Mobile devices suchas smart phones, music/movie players, personal digital assistants,gaming devices and the like, are creating a demand for new wirelesscommunication and networking technologies to allow seamless connectionof wireless mobile devices within a home network that not only supporthigh-bandwidth demanding applications such as high-definition (HD)videos, but also relies on manufacturer compatibility between thewireless devices to mitigate interloper and rogue network activity.

SUMMARY

One disclosed feature of the embodiments provides a method and apparatusfor a multi-tier wireless home mesh network using a suite of protocolsincluding a secure network discovery protocol. The method includesformation of a wireless home networking environment that seamlesslyinterconnects various proprietary devices to provide a wireless plug andplay experience. A multi-tier wireless home mesh network is describedthat improves existing home network performance for better range/rateand interconnection with outdoor wireless networks. Home electronicdevices may be classified according to a multi-tier system, comprising acollection of nodes that operate as a decentralized, wireless ad hocnetwork with multiple (N≧1) sub-networks (hereinafter referred to as“tiers”) that are responsible for different functions within thenetwork. Each node of the multi-tier wireless network can be configuredto a particular tier based on the node's performance capabilities, andis capable of forwarding data to other nodes.

In one embodiment, a hierarchical architecture is described wheredifferent functions can be implemented for stationary and mobile nodesin the network. In one embodiment, using the various available homeelectronic devices, these devices may be organized as nodes of awireless home network. For example, a first tier of the network mayresemble a traditional Internet connection (via a cable/DSL connection,3G/WiMax, or outdoor mesh). The node directly connected to the Internetmay be referred to as a gateway node and there may be multiple gatewaynodes in a home network. A second tier of the network represents thebackhaul of the network that interconnects various fixed-locationelectronics devices (e.g., flat-panel TVs, Playstations, or desktopcomputers) that are usually stationary and electrically coupled to apower supply (non-power constrained). A third tier of the network mayinclude links between a device belonging to the second tier of thenetwork and low-powered, resource-constrained mobile platform devices(e.g., laptops, cellular phones, PDAs, etc.).

In a further embodiment, the secure network discovery protocol mayinclude the identification of surrounding wireless ad hoc networks. Onceidentified, one or more proprietary messages may be exchanged to detectthe presence of a wireless home mesh network. Further, the messages helpidentify an electronics device as either a mobile node or a stationarynode of the wireless home mesh network. Once a new electronics device isestablished as a node of the wireless home mesh network, the newelectronics device is connected to an existing mesh node. Using theconnection, the new electronics device may wirelessly communicate withother electronics devices that are nodes of the wireless home meshnetwork.

In one embodiment, when the secure network discovery protocol does notdetect the presence of a wireless home mesh network, the wireless devicemay enter a network initiator mode. Likewise, the wireless device mayenter the network initiator mode even when a wireless home mesh networkis detected, if the wireless device desires to generate a new wirelesshome mesh network. According to such an embodiment, a user may beprompted to establish a name for the new wireless home mesh network, anda password for the network. The user may also select a channel for thenetwork. A channel having minimal interference is generally selected andcan be automatically generated using a channel selection algorithm. Oncethe channel is selected, a wireless interface for the network may be setwith an extended service set identifier (ESSID). According to thisembodiment, the new wireless network is then set to the selected channelso that a new node may begin listening for discovery requests.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a three-tier wireless home meshnetwork, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a tier-2 node within a wirelesshome mesh network, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating wireless home mesh networkprotocol architecture, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless home electronicsdevice configured to implement a wireless home mesh network (WHMN),according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a generic WHMN message packet format according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates the implementation of a generic WHMN message packetformat according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a message flow diagram, performed by an electronicsdevice to discover, authenticate, and join a WHMN, according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are flow charts illustrating a method for formation of amulti-tier WHMN, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout some of these specific details. In addition, the followingdescription provides examples, and the accompanying drawings showvarious examples for the purposes of illustration. However, theseexamples should not be construed in a limiting sense as they are merelyintended to provide examples of embodiments of the invention rather thanto provide an exhaustive list of all possible implementations. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to avoid obscuring the details of the disclosed featuresof various described embodiments.

System Architecture

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describecertain features of the invention. For instance, the term “wirelessnode” is generally defined as a device with data processing and wirelesscommunication capabilities. The term “logic” is generally defined ashardware and/or software configured to perform one or more functions.One example of a certain type of logic is a wireless chipset, being oneor more integrated circuits, operating to request access to a wirelessnetwork and/or authenticate a wireless node before granting the nodeaccess to the wireless network. “Software” is generally describes as aseries of executable instructions in the form of an application, anapplet, or even a routine. The software may be stored in any type ofmachine readable medium such as a programmable electronic circuit, asemiconductor memory device such as volatile memory (e.g., random accessmemory, etc.) and/or non-volatile memory such as any type of read-onlymemory (ROM) or flash memory, a portable storage medium (e.g., USBdrive, optical disc, digital tape), or the like.

The term “message” represents information configured for transmissionover a network. One type of message is a frame that is generally definedas a group of bits of information collectively operating as a singledata unit. The term “content” includes video, audio, images, data files,or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a multi-tier wirelesshome mesh network 100 is described. Multi-tier wireless home meshnetwork 100 (hereinafter referred to as “home network 100”) comprises acollection of nodes that operate as a decentralized, ad hoc wirelessnetwork with multiple (N≧1) sub-networks 110 ₁-110 _(N) (hereinaftersingularly referred to as “tiers”) that are responsible for differentfunctions within home network 100. Hence, mostly every node of homenetwork 100 is configured to forward data to other nodes and is assignedto a different tier based on its performance capabilities and powerconstraints. The assignment of a node to a tier is a decision based onperformance capabilities of the node, whereas routing decisions are madeby the nodes based on the network connectivity and the ability toforward data by that particular node.

For instance, one embodiment of, home network 100 features ahierarchical architecture comprising three (3) tiers that are assignedbased on the capabilities of the node. A first tier (“tier 1”) 110 ₁ isresponsible for establishing and controlling access to an externalnetwork such as the Internet, and may resemble a traditional Internetconnection via a cable or direct subscriber line (DSL) connection or3G/WiMax/Outdoor mesh. As illustrated, first tier 110 ₁ comprises afirst node 120, which is commonly referred to as a “gateway node.”Gateway node 120 may include, but is not limited or restricted to acable or DSL modem, a wireless router or bridge, and the like. Althoughnot shown, multiple gateway nodes may be present within home network 100in order to provide multiple communication paths to external network(s).

A second tier (“tier 2”) 110 ₂ of home network 100 may represent awireless network backhaul that interconnects various stationary(fixed-location) wireless nodes, such as stationary (fixed-location)home electronics devices adapted for communicating over a wirelesscommunication medium such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) waves.As described herein, an “electronics device” may be stationary ormobile. A “stationary electronics device” includes, but is not limitedor restricted to: a flat-panel television (130, 131, and 132), a gamingconsole (140), desktop computer (150), or any other device that isusually stationary (fixed-location) and is electrically coupled to an ACpower outlet. Hence, stationary wireless nodes are not subject to powerconstraints that are usually present in mobile wireless nodes wherepower usage is minimized to extend battery life between recharges.

Referring still to FIG. 1, a third tier (“tier 3”) 110 ₃ of home network100 may include links between a wireless node belonging to second tier110 ₂ and one or more mobile wireless nodes (160-169). A “mobileelectronics device” or “mobile wireless node” may include any batterypowered electronics device with wireless connectivity including, but notlimited to, a laptop computer, handheld device (e.g., personal digitalassistant, ultra mobile device, cellular phone, portable media player,wireless camera, remote control, etc.) or other like non-stationaryelectronics devices. Since mobile wireless nodes normally have resourceconstraints (e.g., limited power supplies, limited processing speeds,limited memory, etc.), third tier 110 ₃ may provide reduced services. Inone embodiment, mobile wireless nodes of home network 100 may act as aslave or child connecting directly to a tier 2 node, which may furtherlimit their functionality within home network 100.

Below, Table 1 summarizes a multi-tier, wireless home mesh networkarchitecture, categorization by potential network characteristics, tiernode descriptions, and traffic type that is prevalent over home network100.

TABLE 1 multi-tier wireless home mesh network scenario CharacteristicsExamples Network Dimension ~50 × 60 sq ft; House 1-2 stories or high-Apartment building rising building Business Node Number Tier 2 - 3~10; 2TVs, 1 desktop Tier 3 - 5~20 computer, 1 PS3; 2 laptops, 4 mobilephones, 4 media players, . . . Distribution Indoor, 3D, Non- UniformlyLOS, link distance distributed Tier-2 15~60 ft nodes, clustered Tier 3Node Type Tier 1 Usually one or two Cable/DSL modem, (per Tier Tier 1nodes WiMax/3G, Network) Outdoor Mesh Tier 2 Fixed location, TV, desktoppower-sufficient computer, gaming (TX power console (e.g. PS3), 100 mW-1W) etc. Tier 3 Mobile, power- Laptop, mobile limited (TX power phone,portable 1-100 mW) media player, wireless camera, remote Network HDvideo ~30 Mbps 1080p/i, 720p/i, Traffic streaming compressed 480p/iquality HD videos SD Video/ ~100k-1 Mbps Internet video clip Audiovideo, 32k-256 kbps (e.g. YouTube), streaming audio webcam output, mp3audio, voice Data Bursty http type data (web transmission, browsing) ~20Mbps for certain user satisfaction

As indicated by Table 1, home network 100 is distinct from conventionalad hoc mesh-network solutions because home network 100 is directed toconsumer electronics devices and video-centric applications. Based onthe traffic indicated in Table 1, which may include high-definition (HD)video, audio clips and video clips, as well as user data, wireless NICsmay be incorporated within some of the stationary nodes of home network100. For example, by multiplexing one flow of compressed HD video, fourInternet video sessions, plus four audio/video sessions, and someintermittent http data traffic, the load on the backhaul link 170 isapproximately 60 megabits per second for TCP/UDP type traffic, which mayrequire at least 100 megabits per second of raw radio supportconsidering media access control (MAC) layer efficiency. According tothis example, the tier 2 nodes might require an 802.11n type radio(e.g., at 5 GHz band) to meet such a bandwidth requirement.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of tier 2 node 130 isshown. Herein, tier 2 node 130 comprises an embedded wireless networkchipset 200 that includes one or more processors 210, memory 220, acommunications interface 230, and a user interface (UI) 250. Accordingto this embodiment, processor(s) 210 are adapted to initiate and processrequest messages to join home network 100 of FIG. 1, as well as toauthenticate a node requesting to join home network 100 even if it isalready a part of home network 100. These messages are transmitted andreceived over communications interface 230, which may include one ormore antennas 240 ₁-240 _(N) (N≧1 (that are controlled by processor 210or dedicated circuitry (not shown) to tune and receive incoming wirelesssignals on a particular channel and to transmit outgoing wirelesssignals to other nodes over that particular channel.

Referring back to FIG. 1, prior to communicating data, tier 2 node 130associates with another node that is already part of home network 100.After an association is established, tier 2 node 130 and another tier 2node 150 can exchange data. The association process is a two stepprocess involving three states: (1) unauthenticated and unassociated;(2) authenticated and unassociated; and (3) authenticated andassociated. To transition between the states, the communicating partiesexchange messages called management frames. In operation, all nodes areadapted to transmit one or more management frames, referred to asNeighbor Discovery Request messages, to determine if there are any nodesthat can decode the message and respond in a timely manner.

Before conducting operations to associate (join) home network 100, tier2 node 130 listens for response messages to a Neighbor Discovery message(see FIGS. 5 and 6) in order to identify what other nodes are withinrange and in communication over what channel. After identifying node132, these nodes 130 and 132 may perform a mutual authentication byexchanging several management frames as part of the process. Aftersuccessful authentication, tier 2 node 130 moves into the second stateauthenticated and unassociated. The authentication and discoverytechniques are described in more detail in FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment ofan Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layer representation of the systemprotocol architecture 300 for a node within home network 100 is shown.This protocol architecture 300 is provided to achieve a self-organizing,self-configuring home network where different functions or features aredesigned or enhanced to current wireless network architectures builtupon TCP/IP/802.11.

To enable wireless mesh network functions, a single WiFi radio platformmay be used. For example, for tier 2 nodes, one IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n,dual-band card (mini PCI, PCI express, USB dongle, or the like) is usedfor backhaul links to operate at a 5 GHz band or higher bandwidth. Inone embodiment of the invention, links connecting tier 3 nodes arecompatible with legacy 802.11b/g mode simply because, at this time, mostcurrent mobile nodes support IEEE 802.11b/g WiFi. Of course, theparticular wireless PHY 302 and MAC layers 310 may be alteredaccordingly.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the protocol architecture 300 described, wirelesshome mesh network (“WHMN”) functions 320 are placed between MAC layer310 and network IP layer 340 to provide a solution that is independentof the higher OSI layers deployed (e.g., applications layer 370, sessionlayer 360, and TCP/UDP layer 350) and can be more easily reconfigured.Representatively, in the system protocol architecture 300 of FIG. 3,enhanced functionality is placed in WHMN layer 320 between MAC layer 310and a Network (IP) layer 340. Hence, WHMN layer 320 generallyconstitutes an “OSI layer 2.5” solution. The placement of WHMN layer 320provide enhanced functionality that is transparent to both lower andhigher OSI layers, and different radio chipsets can be supported. WHMNlayer 320 carries key functions for network configuration, includingdevice discovery and authentication as described below.

In one embodiment, WHMN functions layer 320 is transparent to both lowerand higher layers, while providing support for different radio chipsets.The WHMN layer 320 can perform functions of WHMN organization andconfiguration such as auto-PHY (network discovery) configuration 322,layer 2 routings 326, auto-IP configuration 328, etc. In one embodiment,each node uses MAC packets with its MAC address for initial topologysetup.

As shown in FIG. 3, WHMN layer 320 includes various smart networkfunctions (322-336), according to one embodiment. These smart networkfunctions are placed between, and may overlap with, a MAC layer and IPlayers 310 and 340. In one embodiment, the auto-PHY configurationfunction 322 may provide automated network discovery functionality whenan electronics device is activated. In one embodiment, electronicsdevices, as referred to herein, describe electronic devices that includea radio NIC from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Some sampleOEM electronic devices may include Sony® BRAVIA® flat-panel televisions,Sony® Playstation 3® game consoles, Sony® VAIO® computers, or other likeSony® stationary and handheld devices, such as smart devices.

In one embodiment, auto-PHY configuration 322 may provide features forinitial wireless home mesh network setup, that are incorporated into anOEM electronics device such as electronics device 400, as shown in FIG.4.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a wireless node that is WHMN-enabled, such asan OEM electronics device 400, includes a microprocessor 210 that useswireless chipset 200 to access memory 220 and communications interface230. The communications interface may include one or more (N>1) tunableantennas 240 ₁, 240 _(N). In contrast to conventional electronicsdevices, device 400 includes wireless home mesh network (“WHMN”) logic402. The WHMN logic 402 includes network formation logic 410. The logic410 uses network discovery logic 420.

In one embodiment, when wireless node 400 is powered on, networkdiscovery logic 420 may scan each channel to detect the presence ofother wireless ad hoc networks. According to the IEEE 802.11 standard,when a wireless card operates in an ad hoc mode, various devices sendout beacons in a predefined manner according to the ad hoc mode. In oneembodiment, when a WHMN is established, including at least onestationary node, the stationary node will periodically transmit a beaconto maintain standard ad hoc operations.

Activation of wireless node 400 may trigger the network discovery logic420 to issue 802.11 functions to scan each wireless channel to determinea list of available wireless networks. Based on the detected beacons,network discovery logic 420 may identify one or more wireless networksthat are operating in an ad hoc mode. The network discovery logic 420may transmit one or more security parameters to detect a WHMN from oneor more identified wireless ad hoc networks. These security parametersmay enable an existing node within a wireless home mesh network (WHMN)to verify wireless node 400 as an electronics device from a same OEM.Discovery response logic 430 may respond to a network discovery requestwhen device 400 is a node of a WHMN. An authentication process, as shownin FIG. 7, may be performed by authentication logic 440.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, if wireless node 400 doesnot detect the presence of a WHMN, network formation logic 410 may entera network initiator phase to establish node 400 as either a mobile nodeor a stationary node of a WHMN. For example, referring again to FIG. 1,flat-panel television (TV) 130 may initially become a first stationarynode for WHMN 100 of FIG. 1. According to such an embodiment, TV 130will include a radio NIC which will periodically emit a beacon to enableidentification of WHMN 100 by any newly-added electronics devices. Forexample, desktop computer 150, upon activation, may detect the presenceof WHMN 100 based on a response received from TV 130 in response to aconnection request message, which is organized based on a proprietaryformat as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary format of a WHMN message 500 which isrepresentative of a messaging format that node 400 of FIG. 4 uses forinitial WHMN setup. For example, during a discovery phase where nodesanalyze their wireless environment, each new wireless node may run anetwork scan (using standard 802.11 functions) to find all wirelessnetworks in its neighborhood. The new node then transmits a Discoverymessage as a broadcast or multicast to all identified wireless ad hocnetworks in an attempt to identify a WHMN in its neighborhood. Existingnodes of a WHMN respond to the Discovery message with appropriatedetails necessary to establish a new connection.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 as an illustrative embodiment,WHMN message 500 may include (i) a message header 502, (ii) messagecontent 510, and (iii) a message tail 512. Herein, according to thisexemplary embodiment, message header 502 includes a WHMN version 504, atransaction (message) ID 506 that identifies the particular message, atype parameter 508 indicates a type of node transmitting the message(e.g., tier 1, tier 2 or tier 3). Message content 510 may includeencoded data that is used to protect the data from interlopers and toensure that the data is accessible only by the targeted wireless node.Message tail 512 includes a WHMN code 514. In one embodiment of theinvention, each WHMN message ends with a repeated WHMN code 514 that maybe repeated a predetermined number of times to ensure that an entiremessage is received without error.

As an example, FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary formats of two types of WHMNmessage 500, namely WHMN data message 550 and WHMN control message 540.Herein, according to this embodiment, both WHMN data message 550 andWHMN control message 540 are routed by encapsulating these messageswithin an Ethernet packet 520. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, Ethernetpacket 520 includes a 24-byte WHMN header 530 that is inserted after anEthernet header 522. WHMN header 530 includes a destination MAC address532 to identify a destination for WHMN message 500 and a source MACaddress 534 to identify a source of WHMN message 500. Other information536 also may be placed within header 530 including, but not limited to,a protocol version that identifies a version of the system protocolarchitecture, a control flag, a frame type as being data or control, aframe length, a QoS feature, a Time-to-Live (TTL) value that specifieshow long (in hops) the message is allowed to “live” on the network whereeach hop causes the TTL value to be reduced by one, a sequence numberthat indicates the sequence of the frame within a complete messagetransaction, and a data protocol type.

For control messages (e.g. discovery, authentication, routing), 4-bytecontrol header 542 is inserted after header 530, where control header542 includes type 508, header length 544, and message length 546. Aftercontrol header 542, a message body (content) 548 of WHMN control message540 is inserted. For Discovery messages, for instance, content 548 is a“challenge text” as described below.

For WHMN data messages 550, however, an IP data packet received from theOSI network layer is attached to Ethernet packet 520 after WHMN header530 in lieu of control header 452 and content 548 to form a WHMN datamessage 550.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a message flow diagram 600,performed by an electronics device that desires to join a WHMN and aresponding (existing) node of a WHMN. As shown in FIG. 7, the newelectronics device is referred to as Node A 602 and the responding nodeis referred to as Node B 604, respectively. FIG. 7 illustrates abroadcast message (WHMN discovery request) 610 that electronics device602 sends to one or more detected wireless ad hoc networks. The networkdiscovery message 610 is sent out in an attempt to find an existing WHMNfrom the detected wireless ad hoc networks. The message 610 isproprietary to the WHMN and will be recognized by other WHMN-enabled OEMdevices in the neighborhood. In one embodiment, the message may includea 64-bit security field 618 to protect the WHMN from denial-of-service(DOS) attack from non-OEM/non-WHMN-enabled devices.

In one embodiment, challenge text 618 may include a secret key combinedwith an extended service set identification (ESSID) of a network that anew electronics device 602 is attempting to join. When Node B 604receives the neighbor discovery broadcast message (see arrow 620), NodeB 604 may verify that the challenge text 618 matches an expected value.Presuming challenge text 618 is verified to identify Node A 602 as aWHMN-enabled OEM device, Node B 604 will generate a WHMN discoveryresponse 630 as shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, message 630 mayinclude as 802.11 cell ID 632, a public key 634, a public key checksum636, as well as challenge text 638. The public key is used in theconnection phase. The checksum for the public key helps ensure that thereceived message was not tampered with or changed in a man-in-the-middleattack.

In one embodiment, receipt of the neighbor response (see arrow 640)indicates to Node A 602 that a detected ad hoc network is identified asa WHMN. Based on the identification of a WHMN, Node A 602 may savevarious information regarding Node B 604. Node A 602 may repeat thisprocess to identify multiple WHMNs, which may be presented to the useras a list, with a user selection required to join a desired network.Based on a user password for a selected WHMN, Node A 602 generates aconnection request message 650 which validates the encrypted phrase 656and Node B 604 generates a connection confirmation message 670 (seearrow 664) if the connection request is validated (see arrow 690). Theauthentication process for generating the connection request message 650and connection confirmation message 670 is further described inco-pending application number U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/360,771, filed on Jan. 27, 2009. Procedural methods for implementingone or more embodiments are now described.

Operation

FIGS. 8A and 8B are flow charts illustrating a method 700 for formationof a multi-tier wireless home mesh network with a secure networkdiscovery protocol, according to one embodiment of the invention. Thediscovery may be performed within a wireless home mesh network (WHMN),for example, as depicted in FIG. 1, utilizing an OEM/WHMN-enabledelectronics device as described in FIG. 4, in accordance with oneembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the secure network discovery protocol begins with anetwork discovery start 710. As shown in FIG. 8A, new electronics device(Node A) 702 performs a WHMN discovery according to one embodiment. Atprocess block 712, each channel is scanned by Node A 702 to collect802.11 beacons. Based on such beacons, at process block 714, a networklist is compiled including a cell ID, an ESSID, mode, quality, and thelike. Based on such information, Node A 702 determines at process block720 whether an ad hoc network is discovered. When an ad hoc network isnot discovered, in one embodiment, as shown in process block 770, theprocess may be retried until a user is prompted either to create a WHMN,or perform a rescan. This process for performing network initiation isshown at process blocks 724-758.

Representatively, when an ad hoc network is not discovered at processblock 720, at process block 770, Node A 702 may perform a predeterminednumber of retries such as, for example, three retries. Following thepredetermined number of retries, at process block 772, Node A 702 mayprompt the user to rescan for available wireless networks by returningto process block 712. However, if the user desires to enter networkinitiation mode, to create a new network, the flow continues to processblock 774. At process block 774, a user is prompted for a new name forthe new WHMN as well as setting a password for the network. At processblock 776, a channel with, for example, minimal interference isselected. Once selected at process block 778, a wireless interface ofthe network may be set with an extended service set identifier (ESSID)and a channel is set for the wireless network according to the selectedchannel so that the new node 702 may begin listening for discoveryrequests.

Referring again to process block 722, for each detected ad hoc network,Node A 702 performs process blocks 724-756. At process block 724, Node A702 sets its information to the parameters of a detected ad hoc network.At process block 726, the node prepares challenge text as describedabove. At process block 730, the node broadcasts a WHMN discoveryrequest to the detected mesh network. Following the broadcast, atprocess block 750, Node A 702 listens on a socket for a predeterminedperiod of time. At process block 752, it is determined whether a timeoutis detected. When a timeout is detected, network initiation is performedas shown at process blocks 724-758.

Representatively, if a response is received prior to the timeout,response verification is performed at process block 754. Based on theresponse verification, at process block 756, the identified node andinformation of the identified node is saved. At process block 760, foreach WHMN identified from one or more detected wireless ad hoc networks,the device may present a list of such networks to a user, and prompt auser either to join a selected WHMN (see process block 762), create anew WHMN, or perform a rescan. If the user desires to join a network,the device performs an authentication process at process block 762 toestablish itself as either a stationary node or a mobile node of a WHMN.

As further illustrated in FIG. 8B, at process block 742, an existingWHMN Node 740 may listen on a socket for a received WHMN discoveryrequest. Based on a received WHMN discovery request (see arrow 728), atprocess block 744, Node 740 verifies that the challenge text of Node 740is verified. Once verified, Node 740 may update a record for thedetected node's device ID, the public key, and checksum at process block746. Otherwise, the message is discarded at process block 745. Oncegenerated, Node 740 unicasts a discovery response message, as shown atprocess block 748 (see arrow 749) to return to process block 752 of FIG.8A, where Node A 702 awaits a discovery response to identify a WHMN.

As described above, a neighbor discovery message is a broadcast messagethat a node sends out in an attempt to find and join a WHMN. The messageis proprietary and is recognized by other WHMN-enabled OEM devices inthe neighborhood. As indicated above, in one embodiment, the WHMNfeatures are limited to devices from a predetermined OEM. However, anon-OEM device may be modified to include WHMN functions, as shown inFIG. 3.

Referring again to FIGS. 5-7, a node type 616 lets the neighbors knowabout the requesting node's capabilities, which may be the gateway shownin FIG. 1, the stationary node type includes tier 2 stationary devicesincluding desktop computers, digital televisions, game consoles, set-topboxes, and the like. FIG. 7 illustrates a sample neighbor responsemessage 630.

Representatively, FIG. 7 illustrates that the message 630 contains WHMNID 614, a WHMN security key, and other parameters required by arequesting node to join a WHMN. Similarly, the node type 616 lets therequesting node know the capabilities (gateway, stationary, or mobile)of a replying neighbor node. The neighbor response message may include apublic key 634 of the sending node. For additional protection, it mayalso include a checksum of the public key 656. The keys (public/private)may be generated using RSA algorithm while the checksum of the publickey may be generated using, for example, MD5 algorithm. The open-sourceutility “open-SSL” may be used to generate keys and checksum. They keysand checksum are usually generated once when a node first starts. Toprotect against man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, the message mayinclude a 64-bit security field. In one embodiment, the eight bytes arederived from a proprietary algorithm. The inputs to the algorithm mayinclude a device key and a MAC address of the sending node.

As shown in FIG. 8A, during a network discovery phase, a new node 702sends broadcast messages to each open mesh network on each channel in anattempt to find a WHMN for a predetermined OEM of the node. If the nodereceives a neighbor discovery message on its broadcast port, it mayrespond with a neighbor response message. The neighbor response messagecontains unique parameters about the network. These unique parametersare encoded in a proprietary format so that only OEM devices can decodeand use the messages to establish a connection with an existing WHMN.Following network discovery, the node can send a connection requestmessage with necessary network parameters and connection phrase. If theparameters are correct and properly received, the neighboring noderesponds with a connection confirmation message.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the various links between tier 2 nodes, suchas flat-panel TVs 130, 131, and 132, gaming console 140, and desktopcomputer 150 may provide a backhaul 170 of home network 100. Asindicated above, this backhaul of the network may route, for example,high definition (HD) video content to provide a television-centricnetwork. In a television-centric network where content stored, forexample, on TV 130 may be routed within home network 100 and displayedon any of TVs 131-132, and/or provided to desktop computer 150 or gamingconsole 140. Hence, regardless of the location within home network 100,content may be routed to any desired tier 2 device.

Furthermore, access to external networks via tier 1 devices 110, such asgateway node 120, is provided. For example, a user in the back yard,using laptop computer 166, may establish a link with gaming console 140to join home network 100. Based on joining of the network, this user mayaccess gateway node 120 via a multi-hop path including game console 140,digital television 132, desktop computer 150, and backhaul link 170.Similarly, a portable media player 168 may be loaded with content thatis streamed from gaming console 140.

Hence, in addition to network extension capabilities, home network 100may enable access from various tier 3 devices including handheld videorecorder 162, portable media player 168, or the like, to stream contentfrom such devices throughout the network. In addition, tier 3 devices(160-169) can load content within, for example, a media player 168 whichis outside of home network 100. In the embodiments described the varioustier 2 or 3 devices may be from the same OEM, such as Sony® Electronics.However, other non-OEM devices may be enabled for joining and accessinghome network 100. Accordingly, such devices, once activated,automatically form a wireless mesh network with minimal user interactionbeyond selection of desired networks, creation of additional networks,or password information for network authentication.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

Several aspects of one implementation of the wireless home mesh networkfor providing improved home electronic device connectivity aredescribed. However, various implementations of the wireless home meshnetwork provide numerous features including, complementing,supplementing, and/or replacing the features described above. Featurescan be implemented as part of the access point or as part of thewireless devices in different embodiment implementations. In addition,the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments ofthe invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the artthat the specific details are not required in order to practice theembodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments of the invention, thisdisclosure is illustrative only. In some cases, certain subassembliesare only described in detail with one such embodiment. Nevertheless, itis recognized and intended that such subassemblies may be used in otherembodiments of the invention. Changes may be made in detail, especiallymatters of structure and management of parts within the principles ofthe embodiments of the present invention to the full extent indicated bythe broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims areexpressed.

Having disclosed exemplary embodiments and the best mode, modificationsand variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remainingwithin the scope of the embodiments of the invention as defined by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: Establishing a gatewaynode, communicably coupled to an external network, a first tier Node ofa wireless home mesh network, the first tier node controls access to theexternal network; Classifying one or more stationary home electronicdevices as a second tier node being a stationary node of the wirelesshome mesh network that is electrically coupled to an AC power outlet,the classifying of the one or more stationary home electronic devicesincludes automatically discovering one of the stationary home electronicdevices as the stationary node of the wireless home mesh network;Classifying one or more mobile electronic devices as a third tier node,the third tier node being a battery-powered mobile node of the wirelesshome mesh network; and Wirelessly communicating with at least one of thefirst tier node, the second tier node, and the third tier node toreceive a service within the wireless home mesh network, the wirelesscommunications include establishing a wireless link with the stationarynode to joint the wireless home mesh network, and wirelessly sharingfeatures and content from the wireless home mesh network with thestationary node that joined the wireless home mesh network.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: accessing, by the third tiernode, digital content from the second tier node of the wireless homemesh network; and accessing a wired network via a wirelesscommunications link with at least one of the first tier node, the secondtier node and the third tier node of the wireless home mesh network. 3.The method of claim 1, further comprising: the second tier nodewirelessly interconnecting a plurality of stationary home electronicsdevices to form a backhaul of the wireless home mesh network.